Temporary political signs and other non-commercial signs will no longer be allowed on public property in Carlsbad, the City Council decided this week. This move puts Carlsbad in alignment with other 14 other cities in San Diego County, with only Oceanside, Santee and Vista still allowing these kinds of signs.
Since 2008, the city has allowed political signs to be placed in the public right-of-way (like along sidewalks and street medians) on major streets in commercial and industrial areas during campaign season, with certain restrictions. Enforcing the rules has become increasingly time consuming and expensive, and safety concerns have come up, such as people running into a busy street to put up a sign in the median and signs blocking views for drivers.
Complaints about the visual clutter of campaign signs have also increased, along with complaints about sign theft and vandalism among competing campaigns.
Political and non-commercial signs will continue to be allowed on private property and in traditional public forum areas (e.g., a person holding a sign in a public park).
More information
